In general Hsing I Chuan has five elements(metal, water, wood, etc.), five elements combinations form, five elements two men form, 12 animals(Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, etc.), 12 animal combinations form, 12 animals two men form. Some school teaches even more than that. The five elements are the basic of the basic and to only learn that isn’t really learning much of Hsing I Chuan at all. (Although to master it the ancient master were forced to train just the elements for about three years.)
Baguazhang varies greatly on the style that the school teaches, but most schools train a variation of eight palms(single palm change, double palm change, etc.). And some schools follows up that training with 64 forms. So having only one form seems also a bit shallow in training material.
I think you should try it maybe to understand a bit more about internal principles to help you with your taichi training, but I wouldn’t try it as additional styles to incorporate into your training.
Have to go with the "depends on the teacher" answer.
Taiji quan, bagua quan/zhang, and hsing-I quan are all composed of multiple forms, exercises, qigong methods, weapons, and so on. Bagua even has a wooden man set. The qigong for the three styles are actually pretty different, at least on the beginner level.
If the bagua and hsing-i forms are done correctly, then yes. If you teacher is just doing bagua or hsing-i like his taiji, then no.
I practice taiji. I have learned the basic bagua circle walking and some of the qigong, but don't have much interest in going beyond that. I have tried hsing-i but am not really interested in it.
The only way for you to know is to try them and see. For me, I liked bagua from the get go! I really get something out of the practice (energy and focus). Hsing-i, not so much. I practice wing chun and can do modified versions of my taiji form to include fajing so I don't feel hsing-i is adding much to my practice.
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There is a common misconception that these three styles are somehow all related. Other than being classified as "internal' or "soft", they really aren't. I have heard it said that bagua picks up where taiji leaves off. I can kind see that where I am in my practice.
However, these three styles were developed differently. With the possible (but not likely IMHO) exception of taiji, they weren't developed at Wudang temple. From what I have learned, taiji is shrouded in misty history. Some mythic figure may have developed it, may be not. We do have at least some idea of the history from Chen village, though I have seen this questioned. We do know somewhat about the history of Yang style and the other three main modern styles (Wu, Wu, and Sun).
Bagua was developed by a martial arts master as an advanced style for martial experts to learn. It is supposedly based on Daoist walking meditation. Hsing-i was developed by some general, and was based on spear techniques.
Naturally, you will find different versions of these histories. Any good story deserves a little exaggeration. The martial arts world is full of good stories so expect plenty of exaggeration!!!
Bagua and Xingyi are just as in depth as Tai Chi. Tai Chi needs no supplement. You're dealing with three unique and complete arts. The worst thing you can do is mix internal arts. Save Bagua for after you've had at least ten years in Tai Chi. The internal arts are very deep, and they have unique methods of achieving the same results, so I would definitely hold off on the Bagua.
Taijiquan is a great Martial Art if taught by a good teacher and shouldn't need to be supplemented with any other Martial Art. Do what you think is right for your needs. Maybe you should find a new Taijiquan teacher instead but either way research the teachers. The most important thing is to learn from a teacher that actually knows what theyre talking about.
If the school and teacher is good then it's worth it.
I'd like to supplement my Tai Chi. The school I go to teaches one Baguazhang form and the five-element Hsing-I form. I always heard Bagua and Hsing-I were comprised of much more than just one form (or five shorter forms in the case of Hsing-I).
Is it worth learning just one Bagua form, or am I just going to get an incomplete picture of Bagua? Hsing-I as well.
